Mardi Gras and Super Bowl chaos descends on Mid-City

Ready or not, here it comes: Mardi Gras, Super Bowl and more Mardi Gras madness is in full swing in New Orleans. Those of you who haven’t ventured downtown are missing the excitement the football extravaganza is generating. Throw Carnival in the mix, and we “NOLA-philes” understand why we live here.

Many streets around the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and French Quarter are closed or are being closed at peak foot-traffic and event times, so plan to catch a streetcar or hike in until the big game is over.

Then switch to Mardi Gras mode. Traffic is a nightmare, and parking is expensive.

For helpful information, subscribe to NOLA Ready, where you can receive police and city alerts that come via email or texts, Facebook, or Twitter. Information is available at www.nola.gov.

Another helpful resource is the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority's website, www.norta.com. Visitors can find everything from bus and streetcar schedules, maps, street closures to delays. There also are smartphone apps to track streetcars and buses. Plan ahead, and life will be easier for you and your guests.

Xavier open house

High school students, parents, teachers and the curious are invited to explore Xavier University on Jan. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Sondra Reine, associate director of the admissions office, said the University Center will buzz with activities. Academic departments, financial aid, student services and student organizations will be on hand, and Reine said there will be campus tours as well.

Attendees also will be treated to free admission to the basketball match up between the Xavier Gold Nuggets and William Carey. The game is at 6 p.m. in Xavier’s new Convocation Center on Washington Avenue.

For more information, call 504.520.7388 or send an email to apply@xula.edu.

City Council news

New Orleans City Councilwoman Susan Guidry has a new chief of staff - Matthew Fraser.

Fraser replaces Deborah Langhoff. He can be reached at 504.658.1013 or mdfraser@nola.gov.